Businesses throughout Grimes County have a new partner to work with who offers services and advice to help them launch or grow, and the best part is the cost is completely free. The Brazos Valley Small Business Development Center recently met with representatives from the city of Navasota and Grimes County’s Economic Development to determine ways that the BV-SBDC could assist in Grimes County. As a result, beginning in February, the BV-SBDC will be in Grimes County on the first Wednesday of each month from 9am to 12pm at the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce building. They will meet with business owners or those interested in starting a business and offer assistance in every phase of their business cycle from start-up to expansion.
“This new partnership gives our local businesses and entrepreneurs a resource to help them be successful,” says Johnny McNally, director of the Chamber and economic development liaison for the county. “The SBDC team acts like a perfect silent partner, one who has all the answers but does not take a paycheck.”
The BV- SBDC advisors have more than 75 years of practical business experience to assist Grimes County businesses. Some key areas that BV-SBDC professional advisors can assist businesses in include:
- Determining the feasibility of the project
- Creating a comprehensive business plan with financial projections
- Identifying funding sources and helping with loan proposals
- Reviewing and analyzing financial statements
- Evaluating business opportunities for starting or purchasing a new business
- Assisting with government procurement and international trade
- Helping with business basics, marketing, and financing
A special one-hour Chamber Academy Workshop is being held on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Navasota Center starting at noon. Jim Pillans with BV-SBDC will present an overview of the program and its benefits. For more information, call the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 825-6600.
